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Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Sandpipers and Allies
Ruddy Turnstone, photographed by Xavier

Photo: Xavier · iNaturalist · CC0 1.0 (licence)

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Call and song

About the Ruddy Turnstone

Fairly small, stocky shorebird with short, chisel-like bill. Breeding plumage is particular striking with bright rusty upperparts and bold black-and-white pattern on head and neck. Nonbreeding and juvenile are duller brown but still boldly patterned; note orange legs. Interesting behavior of flipping over rocks, shells, and other debris to nab invertebrates. Fairly common, with extensive global range. Breeds in the high Arctic tundra; winters on coastlines nearly worldwide. Prefers rocky habitats, but also seen on beaches and mudflats. Usually in small flocks, often mixed with other shorebirds. Listen for low, hard rattle call.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 230 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

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